Workers of Bogidhola Tea Estate in Morangi staged a protest after the estate was omitted from the Assam Government’s official list of closed tea gardens, despite remaining shut since 2017. The omission came to light during the first day of the Assam Legislative Assembly’s summer session, when former Labour Minister Sanjay Kishan sought details of closed tea gardens in the state. In response, Labour Minister Rameswar Teli presented a list that did not include Bogidhola Tea Estate, sparking anger among workers and local organisations.
The demonstration was organised by the Khumtai branch and Morangi sub-branch of the Assam Tea Tribes Students’ Association (ATTSA). Protesters alleged that the estate has remained closed since a 2017 incident in which the management allegedly opened fire on workers. They claimed that, despite the prolonged closure, no effective steps have been taken to revive the estate or restore the livelihoods of hundreds of affected workers and their families.
The protesters demanded that Bogidhola Tea Estate be officially recognised as a closed tea garden and included in the government’s list. They also urged the state government to take immediate measures to reopen the estate and provide long-term relief to the workers, stating that the continued closure has created severe economic hardship for the local community.